@Darrius LloydTo start your house hacking journey, research neighborhoods with potential for multifamily properties and balance affordability with tenant quality.

I get it that the furniture might not fit everyone's desires; someone might want a king size bed instead of a queen, and someone won't like the color of the sofa, or quality of the lamps and entertainment center, etc.  

Here are a few strategies to consider for funding a down payment:Partnering: Like Gregory mentioned, finding a partner who can contribute to the down payment in exchange for equity or a profit share is a solid option.HELOC or Cash-Out Refi: If you have equity in your home or another property, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance can provide the funds you need.Private Money: Reach out to friends, family, or private investors who may be interested in lending you the down payment with a promissory note.Seller Second: In some cases, the seller might agree to finance a portion of the down payment as a second mortgage.Live Frugally and Save: It takes time, but reducing expenses and setting aside funds from your income is a tried-and-true method.The right approach depends on your situation and deal structure, but a mix of creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way.

Although the cost is high for these areas there is little new construction.

A very high tech one.Here's how it works:1) Call 720-902-85522) A real estate investor will pick up, or text you immediately, notifying you that they will call back if they are on the line.3) On the phone, tell us your goals, and we will connect with the resources or network you need to solve that problem.That's it.

@Zach Lemaster has a great team and is highly recommended for all your real estate investment needs!! 

Quality and risk in Cleveland and Akron neighborhoods will vary widely.

This needs to be limited and reduced. 

I'd also recommend you have a good relationship with an investor-focused Realtor that can connect you with a solid Property Management company, etc. 

Since you're open to markets beyond NYC, you might want to connect with local investor meetups or REI groups in those areas to build relationships with agents, wholesalers, and lenders who understand the nuances of each market.If you're looking to break out of analysis paralysis, maybe start by narrowing down one or two target markets and running numbers on actual deals.